by Susan Mallery
Series: Fool's Gold #12
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Tour
Rating:
Can first love turn into the real deal in a sizzling new Fool's Gold story from New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery? Isabel Carlisle thinks she's cursed in the romance department. Her teenage crush, Ford Hendrix, ignored all her letters. Her husband left her for another...man. So Isabel has come home to dust off her passion for fashion and run the family bridal shop until her parents are ready to sell it. Then she'll pursue her real dreams. At least, that's the plan, until sexy, charming Ford returns and leaves her feeling fourteen all over again.... Seeing Isabel all grown up hits bodyguard trainer Ford like a sucker punch. Back when heartbreak made him join the military, her sweet letters kept him sane. Now he can't take his eyes-or his lips-off her. The man who gave up on love has a reason to stay in Fool's Gold forever-if three little words can convince Isabel to do the same...
Today I am excited to be a part of the BookTrib tour for Three Little Words by Susan Mallery. Grab a cup of mocha coffee, sit back and enjoy my review of this sweet and romantic contemporary romance and then enter to win an awesome Bridal Kit filled with lots of wonderful beauty products and a copy of Three Little Words!
I was a little apprehensive going into Three Little Words by Susan Mallery as it is the twelfth book in a series, but just as promised this delightful romance worked perfectly as a standalone. Three-word review: small-town, charming, and romantic.
Isabel Carlisle hasn’t had much luck when it comes to romance. As a teen, she had a huge crush on Ford Hendrix her sister’s boyfriend. When he joined the military she wrote him letters and he never once responded. Now her husband has left her for another man! I mean how sad is that? So Isabel once again finds herself back in her hometown and handling the affairs at her parent’s bridal shop. She plans out her life as she works when suddenly her plans are turned upside down. Ford is back in town and sexier than ever and Isabel is feeling fourteen and awkward again. The tale that unfolds is sweet, hot and oh so romantic as they tango!
Ah, how so many of us will be able to relate to Isabel, especially as a teen. She was awkward, shy, a little chubby and madly in love with her sister’s beau. She is down to earth, has a witty personality and you just identify with her and want her to get her HEA. Ford is smexy, a military man; some may say a ladies’ man and he is a little nervous about returning home. I loved the banter between these two, while there is a physical attraction this was a friendship to romance courtship. We meet other characters, deal with Ford’s marriage-minded mama and sink into the small town charm.
I adore pretending relationship troupes and Mallery made this convincing. The sparks, banter, and personalities of the characters allowed me to slip right into the tale. I laughed, grinned, and giggled my way through this. Isabel was truly delightful, I do however wish Mallery peeled back Ford’s layers a little more but as a couple, they felt genuine. Seeing them work out issues, have personal growth and form a bond was deliciously romantic. I enjoyed this so much, that I picked up Chasing Perfect the first book in the series, I want to meet all of the characters in Fool’s Gold, California.
Fans of small-town romances will enjoy Three Little Words and this delightful couple.
Sponsored Bridal-kit Giveaway Us Only
Book Trib is giving away a fabulous prize pack! Prizes include:
The Susan Mallery Foolproof Bridal Kit includes:
- A wedding-themed bottle of OPI nail polish
- Not Your Mother’s® Rise & Shine™ Silky Smooth Shine Mist
- Manicure set (includes emery board, small and large nail clippers, tweezers, cuticle stick and nail polish remover pad)
- Heart-shaped compact mirror
- 12-piece E.L.F. eye shadow kit
- Travel makeup brush set
- Makeup remover wipes
- Lip gloss
- Travel sewing kit
- Kleenex®
- Secret® deodorant
- Razor and Gillette® Shave Gel
- Nivea Creme
- Wisps toothbrushes
- TRESemmé® hairspray
- Copy of Three Little Words
Melissa's Midnight Musings
I’m definitely a romantic, as much as I don’t like to admit it. I really appreciate romantic gestures, even though I get embarrassed by them easily (something I’m working on)
kimbacaffeinate
I try to skirt around my mushy side too!!!!
Kimberly
I wish I could enter the giveaway but good luck to those who enter. I’ve got the first book of the series on my tbr list after seeing her books around for years. I’ve heard they remind people of the Virgin River series which I love. Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
Oh, yes I am a huge fan of the VR series and yep, this reminded me of those!
Leanna
Even though I love reading romance books I generally do not like romsntic over the top things. I hste it ehen guys write poetry or sin/play guitors for thrir eomen.
kimbacaffeinate
Aww, well sometimes a little is nice..but not over the top.
Libby
This sounds like a great series! I will have to add it to my list! Thanks for the great review!
kimbacaffeinate
This was a feel good read, and perfect for a lazy afternoon 🙂 thanks Libby!
Aurian
Great review Kim, one day I will read this series 🙂
Dani C
This is a series I really need to get into! Love the review, this sounds like a book for me! 🙂
Belle Read
This sounds like a series that I would enjoy. I love when you can jump in to a book within a series without having to read the previous installments. The only drawback to that can be some repetitiveness while the author catches us up for fans who have read the others in the series.
kimbacaffeinate
No, I think each book here is about one couple, and you meet others, you just don’t know them as well.
Corinne
Yes, I am very much a romantic!
sassychassy333 at gmail dot com
kimbacaffeinate
🙂 good luck!
Brooke B.
I’m definitely a romantic when it comes to books. In real life though, my boyfriend and I are romantic in weird, uncommon little ways, like he will get up and shut the alarm off for me…that’s romantic to me lol.
kimbacaffeinate
oh Brooke I agree, some of the littlest gestures are the most romantic.
Chelsea K.
I like to think that I am a bit of a romantic but I am not sure since I do not have much real life experience in relationships. Congrats on the new book, this seems like a great series!
kimbacaffeinate
Chelsea, experience will come, and I like to think we all have some degree of “romantic tendencies” living within each of us.
Jess
Susan Mallery is one author I’ve always wanted to try, but haven’t. Your review sold me and I’ve bought the book. I can’t wait to read it. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Jess, I would love to hear your thoughts when you are done 🙂
Adriana
I get a little nervous when the love interest is described as sexy. I don’t know why just some bad experiences with NA books. But, this one looks sweet. It also helps that they start out friends. I”m also really curious if he kept the letters or it helped him or what because that would be completely adorable <3
I think this is a series me, my mom, and aunts will enjoy. They especially oerly romantic stories but I'm a sucker for them also (; Lovely review.
kimbacaffeinate
No worries, this is so not like NA and borders on clean adult.
Maida
I have heard so much about this series and honestly the only reason I’m not picking it up yet is cause there are so many books in the series. I don’t mind that, but I just know that if I even remotely enjoy the first book I am going to purchase all the other books in the series right away (I just don’t like reading books out of a series even if they can be read as a standalone.!) But I love the sound of the characters here, and I love that its a love story. It really does sound fun and enjoyable! Glad you also enjoyed this Kim! Lovely review! 😀
~ Maida
Literary Love Affair
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Maida, I was delighted each of these work as a standalone, but like you prefer to read them in order 🙂
Diana Leigh
I feel bad for Isabel that she wrote him all those letters and he never responded!
Diana Leigh
Oops! My answer to the Rafflecopter question is no, lol. My hubby is way more romantic than me. 😉
kimbacaffeinate
Aww, that is sweet 🙂
Lorelei
Yes! I’m a true romantic. Thanks for the review and the chance to win! Susan Mallery is a favorite and her Fools Gold series is great!
kimbacaffeinate
You are very welcome Lorelei. Have a wonderful weekend 🙂
Sharon - Obsession with Books
I adore small town romance stories and this sounds wonderful! To be honest I tend to be put off by long series so I’m pleased to see this can be read as a stand alone.
A fabulous review Kimba!
kimbacaffeinate
I love when books can be read as a standalone too! Thanks Sharon 🙂
Angela C.
Great review! I’m glad you liked it. (: I look forward to reading it!
I am definitely a romantic. A hopeless one at that.
kimbacaffeinate
Me too, and there is nothing wrong with that 🙂
Braine Talk Supe
Yes, unfortunately I am a hopeless romantic and sometimes that’s the reason why I get in trouble. My expectations are this high and I know it’s ridiculous sometimes. What can I do? I’ve met a lot of perfect men in books real guys can’t live up to them.
kimbacaffeinate
Don’t give up, when the right one comes along your romantic side will think his flaws are sweet 🙂
Vanessa The Jeep Diva
Leaving you a comment from a MacBook Pro using Safari!
kimbacaffeinate
Aww, thank you Vanessa I so appreciate the support!
Jackie
I am TOO MUCH OF A ROMANTIC! I fall in love so easily! It can be a problem, but at the same time, it will be perfect for when I find my soulmate! 🙂 Susan Mallery is fabulous 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Jackie and I hope you find him 🙂
Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf
So glad this was an easy series to jump into the middle of! And a military man? Yum!
Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf
And I am a weird sort of romantic…deep down I am though I don’t always show it b/c I am very practical too!
PS what an awesome kit:)
kimbacaffeinate
Yum is right, thanks Melissa and I agree this is a nice kit!
Christy
You know the three little words that immediately come to my mind are not nice ones. lol. This sounds super cute, and I’m always drawn more to a CA setting.
kimbacaffeinate
I am never drinking coffee again when reading your comments..you are so funny and snarky lately…why kind of meds do they have you on? hehehe 🙂
Lark
Good review, Kimba! I’m glad you enjoyed this one, and I think you’ll like the series (not that I’ve read that many of them yet, myself!) We’re on the same page regarding Ford; I wish Mallery had explored the depth that she hinted at — especially vis-a-vis how his war experience affected him. But it is an enjoyable tale anyway, and Isabel is a heroine I can relate to!
kimbacaffeinate
I will always want the back-story and the layers peeled ..LOL bit yes Isabel was wonderful and so real.
Lark
Me too! Backstory and characterization are important.
bn100
sometimes
kimbacaffeinate
thanks for entering and good luck!
Lily
OMG love a romantic spin!!!
kimbacaffeinate
me too, thanks Lily!
Candace
You know, I thought I was suppose to be part of this tour but I never did hear back or receive my book. Oh well. I’m glad you enjoyed it, it sounds really lovely! I love small town stories!
And yes, I’m a romantic! At least when it comes to my stories. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Aww, wonder what happened 🙁 I adore small town romances too 🙂
Carolyn Valdez
I am very much a romantic. I also love to read all kinds of romance stories.
kimbacaffeinate
I am the same Carolyn 🙂
Em Ma
I’m definitely a romantic. So hoping to win this wonderful prize for my romance filled wedding this fall.
kimbacaffeinate
Aww congrats and good luck Em Ma!
Sarah
Finally, I can see your blog again! I switched over to a “Firefox” app and voila!
The thing I like about Susan Mallery is you can start in the middle of her books and you wouldn’t know it. This book sound great! 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway.
Sarah @ Kitties Like Books Too
kimbacaffeinate
I like that in a series, especially this type. Thanks again for letting me know, you have no idea how much I appreciate that.
Melissa (Books and Things)
I’ve had this series recommended to me more than once. Now, another recommendation. Yep, I really do need to read a book in the series. It sounds cute.
Tanja
I haven’t heard of this book but it sounds like a sweet read to me. Even too sweet for my taste but still we all need that kind of book from time to time. Once when I get overwhelmed with my classes I might enjoy this one 🙂 Great review 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
we all need escape books like this from time to time!
erinf1
thanks for the awesome giveaway! I’m a closet romantic 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
too funny, thanks for stopping by Erin 🙂
Jessica R
I am a romantic. <3
We just celebrated our 12 year anniversary… he did well 😉
kimbacaffeinate
Aww that is wonderful, and glad he did well 🙂
Chanzie
Wow what an amazing giveaway 🙂 and as always a great review 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Chanzie!
Gayle
I love Romantic reads. Just as long as they’re not too gushy. What woman wouldn’t like a little romance.? Thanks for the giveaway. Very generous.
kimbacaffeinate
it has to feel genuine, agreed!
Andrea
I’m so glad you liked this too! It’s amazing that one can jump into such a long series and not miss a beat. I really adored Ford’s humor and the relationship between him and Isabel.
Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Andrea, they were a cute couple 🙂
Theresa Fischer
Yes I am a romantic, hearts and flowers all the way.
kimbacaffeinate
<3 me too Theresa!
Jenea
I like the ones with the pretend relationships, and the bond that follows. Glad you enjoyed it, great review.
kimbacaffeinate
I agree it is such a fun trope!
Nick
I have read one book by her and I remember enjoying it very much. I love romances where the heroine has a crush on the guy since a long time, but the crush only develops into a romantic relationship after a long time. I can tell I’m going to enjoy the romance between these two, especially since they seem to have great banter as well.
Also, the main character sounds very relatable and loving. And I love a good military man too! They are very attractive.
I’ll be sure to check this one out, Kim!
Fantastic review! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I am such a sucker for military men or any man in uniform, hehehe!
gaele
I am a horrid romantic sentimentalist. But surprisingly logical and far less sentimental in the real world.
Shared, shared and shared 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I consider myself practical in the real world, and a hopeless romantic when submersed in my novels!
kindlemom1
I have loved every book by her I have read but I know what you mean about series with a huge book list, sometimes they lose something over time and just aren’t as good as you would like them to be. I am so glad this isn’t one of those series and I do love how they all can be read as a stand alone, I think that really helps.
kimbacaffeinate
I agree Ali, it keeps things fresh when they work that way, and this was sweet.
Debbie Haupt
Great review as always Kimba, I too hate coming into a series anywhere but the beginning but as an avid fan of Susan’s I can also say that all of the books in the series could be read on their own.
fingers crossed on winning
deb
kimbacaffeinate
I have read other books/series by her, so I am glad it worked as a standalone
blodeuedd
I wish I lived there so I could win that!
kimbacaffeinate
sorry my friend I wish you did too!